Although fans have yet to see his swan song, Steve Carell punched Michael Scott’s “Office” timecard for the last time on March 4 leaving a giant hole in the small screen comedy world — and co-star John Krasinski’s heart.

“Steve’s leaving is the first time we’ve been snapped out of it and had to think about how much we all rely on each other,” he tells Parade Magazine. “We’re losing a friend first and foremost … no one can replace him.” And while fans would undoubtedly agree with that, it must be said that bringing on Will Ferrell for a multi-episode guest arc is a pretty damn good tourniquet.

As for how he came to join the show, John reveals that Will actually made it happen. “He’s such a fan of the show, and he knew we would be in a tight spot, and he wanted to help relieve the tension in a way. So he called our producers, and asked if they could ever use him to step in. It speaks volumes about him as a person. He wants to make sure that the show doesn’t get hurt in this big transition.”

Eventually the chat turns away from John’s smallscreen world and towards his real world marriage to actress Emily Blunt. Of their union, he brings the awwws with this comment: “I had always heard, ‘Never date an actress — it’s too competitive, too dramatic. But we’re so lucky to have each other. She understands the stress level involved, the amount of work. That’s completely priceless. For many reasons, Emily is perfect for me.”